10 free sample questions with answers and explanations. See how you'd score on the real CLEP exam.
What is the primary concern of the protagonist, d'Artagnan, in this passage?
His upcoming duels with Athos and Porthos
La disgrâce de M. de Tréville
Les blessures terribles qu'il pourrait subir
La façon dont il a quitté M. de Tréville
Explanation
The passage indicates that d'Artagnan is worried about his upcoming duels, especially with Athos, who he believes can kill him.
What type of literature did Lewis seem to prefer throughout his life?
Classical literature with a focus on realism
Children's literature with moral lessons
Historical fiction with a focus on accuracy
La littérature qui évoque des émotions violentes et une excitation mentale
Explanation
According to the passage, Lewis preferred literature that 'arouses violent emotion and mental excitement, or lacerates the nerves, or shocks and startles'.
What can be inferred about Mrs. Radcliffe's approach to describing foreign scenery in her novels?
Elle s'appuyait sur son imagination, aidée par des descriptions et des tableaux
She relied heavily on her personal experiences traveling abroad
She focused on the historical significance of the locations
She avoided describing scenery altogether
Explanation
The passage states that Mrs. Radcliffe relied on her imagination, aided by pictures and descriptions, to describe foreign scenery in her novels.
What can be inferred about Mademoiselle Baptistine's financial situation based on the passage?
She is wealthy and can afford any furniture she desires
Elle a réussi à économiser suffisamment pour acheter un meuble de salon en velours d'Utrecht
She has limited financial resources and must make sacrifices
She has no interest in material possessions
Explanation
The passage states that Mademoiselle Baptistine had only saved 42 francs 10 sous in 5 years, which is not enough to buy the furniture she wants, indicating her limited financial resources.
What is d'Artagnan's reaction when he hears the mousquetaires criticizing the cardinal and his personal life?
Il est amusé
He is indifferent
Il est choqué et scandalisé
Il se joint à la conversation
Explanation
D'Artagnan's respect for the cardinal is scandalized, and he is shocked by the mousquetaires' criticism, as stated in the passage: 'son respect pour le cardinal fut scandalisé dans l’antichambre'
What can be inferred about the influence of Mrs. Radcliffe's works on the literary world of the 19th century?
Elles ont eu un impact significatif sur le développement du roman de terreur
They were largely ignored by other writers
Her works were only popular among female readers
They were seen as a minor contribution to the Gothic tale genre
Explanation
The passage states that 'The writers of the first half of the nineteenth century abound in references to her works', indicating a significant influence on the literary world.
What is the primary reason the bishop sends half of the milk from his cows to the hospital every morning?
Il aime les malades
Il paye sa dîme
Il veut aider les curés de campagne
Il a trop de lait
Explanation
The bishop sends half of the milk to the hospital as a form of tithe, a religious obligation to give a portion of his goods to support the church and its charitable works. This practice is based on the biblical concept of tithing, where a tenth or other portion of one's produce is given to support religious institutions and the poor.
What is the author's impression of the people from d'Artagnan's region, Gascony, as described in the passage?
They are easily intimidated
They are from a wealthy region
They are not skilled with a sword
Ils ont la réputation de ne point facilement se laisser intimider
Explanation
The passage states 'les compatriotes de d’Artagnan avaient la réputation de ne point facilely se laisser intimider', indicating that people from Gascony are not easily intimidated.
What does the author suggest is necessary for terror in literature to be effective and not merely horrific?
Un mélange de descriptions beautés et d'incidents pathétiques
A high degree of violence and gore
Un simple effet de causation matérielle
Un ton ironique et humoristique
Explanation
The author suggests that terror in literature can be effective when it is balanced with beautiful descriptions or pathetic incidents, as seen in the works of Mrs. Radcliffe.
What is the significance of the heroine's actions and the plot in 'Fair Elenor' in relation to the cultural context?
Elle illustre les thèmes de l'amour et de la mort dans la littérature française
C'est une critique de la monarchie et du pouvoir absolu
Elle représente la condition des femmes dans la société anglaise du XVIIIe siècle
It reflects Blake's familiarity with Walpole's Gothic story and the legend of Anne Boleyn
Explanation
The passage states that Blake's story is 'faintly reminiscent of the popular legend of Anne Boleyn' and that 'Fair Elenor' seems to indicate Blake's familiarity with Walpole's Gothic story.